Bowl Game Bringing Soldiers Together

An exciting “bowl” game brought a group of future soldiers together Saturday afternoon in Lackawanna County.

The “All American Bowl” was played Saturday in Texas, and it was enjoyed on the local level, as well.

The game recruits some of the best high school players in the country, putting the east coast against the west coast.

A large group of current and future soldiers got together at Quaker Steak and Lube in Dickson City to root for the east.

“It’s more of a community event because the army is more than just a group of men and women who go off to war. We support our community all over the place,” said US Army First Sergeant Joseph Kishel.

The group of about 60 US army soldiers gathered to enjoy some food, and of course some football. For those who are active in the military. The high school US Army All American Bowl is just as good as the super bowl itself!

“We have the East vs. West of the top high school students in the country, and they are competing against each other. So we have all of our future soldiers here to celebrate and watch the game,” said US Army Captain Alicia Partin.

It was also a place for future soldiers to meet and greet. Many of those on hand for the event will be heading out for basic training in the coming weeks and months.

“I ship off for basic training March 20. I am considered an engineer. I can’t wait. I’m so excited, I wish it was tomorrow that I was leaving,” said Johnathan Kasper of West Pittston.

The organizers of the event also pointed out that even with the war in Iraq behind us there are still thousands of men and women stationed all over the world.

“It’s always great when we can welcome them home. We still do deploy people so we have to remember to pray for them. It’s always great when we can bring people home,” said Partin.